Similar Posts
- Asana, Pranayama, and Yoga Practice | Food for the Mind (Yoga Philosophy, etc) | Meditation | Photos
Puddles (and Prakasha and Vimarsha)
In the tantric yoga philosophy, two key concepts are that of prakasha and vimarsha–light and reflection. Prakasha is the fullness of the light of consciousness itself; vimarsha, the reflection of the light that is our own individual recognition of the light of consciousness in ourselves. The sweetly mysterious joy we get in seeing reflections in a puddle is the reminder we are given of the pulsing dance between the light and the reflection of the light, neither of which we can know without the other.
Shiva the Dissolver (and rare hybrid orchid)
The other day, it was announced that following a controlled forest fire, a rare hybrid orchid that hasn’t been seen in the wild in Maryland for the past 70 years has emerged. This, I think, is such a wonderful example of the privileging of the destructive energy of of Shiva in the context of the triad of Brahma (creator), Vishnu (sustainer), and Shiva (destroyer).
Shiva in this context does not so much destroy for the sake of destroying, but is part of the inevitable and necessary part of life that strips away, dissolves, razes, eliminates, so that new life can emerge and be sustained.
Under My Desk at the Office
There are three important things going on under my desk:
(1) my feet are planted firmly on the floor with the inner edges of my feet parallel. This is the foundation of a good, comfortably upright posture where my low back, shoulders, and neck are in alignment and not overworking; my inner organs are in the right place for optimal functioning; and my lungs and diaphragm are situated for full, easy breathing, which helps me be healthier and more alert.
(2) the only shoes for the day have flexible, supportive soles and leave my toes free to work–whether I am walking or sitting. I do not change into narrow-toed and/or high-heeled shoes to look “professional” or fashionable. I think if we try hard enough, we could make shoes that are good for us be in style. Think about how much we would reduce health care spending and lost work time (for foot, knee, and back surgeries and treatments), if we all wore shoes that fit and did not alter our posture in an unhealthy way. Eventually, foot binding when out of fashion in China, but we still require women (mostly) to harm themselves with their footwear to fit in.
(3) I have two different-sized rubber balls to do foot exercises. Feels great, helps me stay grounded, and is a nice way to take a break.Come to one of my yoga classes to get tips on great exercises for the feet you can do at your desk or just about any where.
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.




